Ten Learnings from 2010

Life is about learning and, I also believe, in sharing one’s learnings. This list started as part of an e-mail to a friend and grew from there. When it was finished her and I thought it was a good alternative to the many new year, new you, new success e-mails and posts currently out there. So here are ten of the things I learned last year.

1. I learned this year that being responsible means putting yourself first if putting another first causes you harm. A hard lesson for any caring individual, much less a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

2. I’ve learned that toxic people and toxic situations must always be contained if they cannot be eliminated. This means making sure that extra care is taken before and after these encounters. The same holds true for all stressful situations.

3. I’ve learned there is a time that stopping our children from making mistakes is more costly to your relationship with them than letting s**t happen. It doesn’t make it any easier to watch.

4. I’ve learned that atypical is legitimate and all the more reason to speak up or yell for what you need. Atypical can be quickly discounted by others as it isn’t readily understood. This in no way changes its impact on your life or the need for it to be addressed.

5. I’ve learned that the health care system though functioning really only works well for those who are healthy.

6. I’ve learned it’s never too late to make new best friends and that these friends can help you more than you could possibly imagine laugh and get through difficult times.

7. I’ve learned that giving 150% in any relationship is not enough if the other person fails to see the value of what you are contributing.

8. I’ve learned you can lose all the things you take for granted, and those you believe define you and still get up in the morning and start again. Something the older generation has known for years.

9. I’ve learned that if someone really loves you they’re more worried about you being able to re-build than in what you’ve lost.

10. I’ve learned that it easier to be afraid in our culture than it is to love and that the cost of choosing to be afraid will destroy your health, your peace of mind and your joie de vivre. It’s easier but it ain’t worth it.

Wishing everyone courage, good health and love for the coming year.

APPS, ANAPHYLAXIS & FOOD ALLERGIES: Making Grocery Shopping Easier (and safer)

If you are one of the estimated 15 million Americans (3 million children) or 600,000 Canadians living with food allergies you know grocery shopping always includes reading labels, understanding that product derivatives, whether they are clearly stated or not, can be just as dangerous or detrimental as their parent products and putting back intriguing new food items when they contain ingredients you’re simply not sure of. I know- I’m one of them. So how exciting to discover someone has had the forethought to use technology to address this problem and make grocery shopping not only easier, but also safer especially for “newbies” not yet familiar with the many hazards that may await them.

MyFoodfacts is an iPhone App available through the iPhone store. Once loaded the user can then program in potential food allergens and begin scanning product bar codes. Within seconds, the user knows if the product may contain one or more of the pre-programmed allergens or its derivatives. The user is then able to call up an ingredients list to determine whether this is a product they want to purchase. There are approximately 130,000 US product barcodes currently entered in the App’s data base and this number is increasing daily. The Canadian version data base, not yet released, will include about 200,000 barcodes. The company’s goal is to provide information on as many products as possible found in supermarkets. In order to speed up the process and ensure valuable consumer feed-back is part of the App’s on-going product development, anyone can send a list of the products they commonly shop for to MyFoodFacts and the company will contact the manufacturer on your behalf to obtain the necessary information to include in the data base for the next time you scan. Ingredient information is updated whenever there is a change and MyFoodFacts has the ability to detect allergens in both the product’s most current ingredient list, and the product’s earlier version’s ingredient list. Who would think that new and improved could be a safety issue?

It keeps getting better. Not only does this App help those of us with food sensitivities and allergies but its development team has incorporated a news feed component which provides updates on food product recalls in the United States and Canada as well as undeclared allergen alerts. According to MyFoodFacts creator Mike Kwiecien, “It’s surprising how many food product recalls there are. Occasionally, you read a small announcement buried somewhere in the newspaper but, unless the situation is dire, you tend not to hear about it. In reality there are food product recalls happening all the time. We just don’t know about them. Being able to build this news feed into the App was our way of making this information more easily and readily available to consumers. I think it’s important for everyone from moms to students to the elderly to pet owners to know what is happening with the food products we’re buying.”

Is this simpler than holding a box of cereal or ice cream while trying to keep your kids in the cart? Does is make it easier to identify product derivatives that could be an issue? Is it helpful to those only now discovering they have food allergies and sensitivities? Is it a great way to use technology to better our quality of life? Absolutely “yes” on all counts. Plus for those of us over 40, the font size on most smart phones is bigger than it is on those pesky cereal boxes.

Interested in purchasing the US iPhone APP or learning more about when the Canadian version will launch go to http://www.myfoodfacts.com

Secrets of a Networker Extraordinaire

Connie Deckert
LPGA Teaching & Club Professional
President Fore U Enterprises
Connie Deckert is a serial entrepreneur and one of Canada’s few full- time members of the LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals (T&CP). Her current focus, as President of Fore U Enterprises, is to teach more people how to play better golf to better build their businesses.
***************************************************** 

I first met Connie at a networking event some years back. I then kept on running into her at either other networking events or women’s events. It quickly became clear to me that no matter where we met the people she introduced me where from the widest variety of sectors imaginable. There were financial planners, artists, lawyers, teachers, IT people, restaurant owners, insurance brokers and professional photographers. The list was always changing and it seemed endless. So I had to ask her about her extraordinary network and what better way to ask than to interview her and post it.

*****************************************************

Heike Mertins: Connie, over the years I have noticed that you know a most remarkable group of people. How long have you been building your network?

Connie Deckert: I’ve been building my network for close to 40 years now.

Heike Mertins:That’s a long time. How many different industry sectors do you think your network spans?

Connie Deckert: I have no idea: lots. Let’s list the groups I’m part of or have been part of and see if that helps. There is the EWGA (local and national), Zonta (local, national and international), K-W Women’s Business Association, and CAWEE (Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs). There is also my Leadership Waterloo network and the people I’ve met over the years through volunteering including those from the YWCA board and now the new people I’m meeting as part of the K-W Symphony Board and of course those I met through the golf club I belong to.

Heike Mertins:That’s a quite a number of groups. Out of all these connections would you say you are more tied into people from one sector than another?

Connie Deckert: No. It’s not really sector specific. Maybe the most common thread is golf. I know a lot of people in the golf business and I know a lot of people because of golf. Sport, women’s issue and media are the three most common themes that connect us.

Heike Mertins: How many hours in a month do you think you spend building and maintaining your network?

Connie Deckert: I don’t consciously do “networking”. It just kind of happens. For example last night I went to the Women’s Crisis Centre’s Awareness of Violence Against Women event. I went because I was curious. The person I went with is on the board for the centre and so we ended up sitting at one of board tables. There was a woman there, Kate, who is a client and who I’d met before through a different event. Turns out she’s on the board too. So now we have this new shared level of connection. I didn’t say anything about golf, but this other woman at the table recognized me and she told me she had wanted to take a lesson with me this year, but hadn’t managed to do so yet. Kate tells her about how working with me has really improved her game. So by going to this event, I was curious about, I strengthened my network and added to it.

Heike Mertins: Everyone talks about how important networking is. Why is your network so important to you?

Connie Deckert: Because of the talent around me I can be better. I have expertise around me to call on to strengthen me and hopefully it also strengthens them.

Heike Mertins:Could you give me an example of when your network has helped you professionally?

Connie Deckert: I belong to the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) and I volunteer locally and nationally with them. Joan Snyder was the President of the chapter association. I heard through the grapevine that there was a particular golf course that was providing complimentary green fees to pros who were taking students there. I thought this is a great opportunity for me and so I wanted to approach the woman who runs the club. Because she doesn’t know me personally I was able to use Joan’s name to create a common bond. It gave me credibility and the opportunity to take students to this club: a win-win all the way around.

Heike Mertins: I wrote a blog a while back on strategic networking. Do you think there are advantages to strategically networking over simply showing up?

Connie Deckert: I read the blog. I think it was very astute that you talked about strategy. The presentation I’ve developed on Using Golf as a Business Tool asks the same question. Absolutely, strategy is important when you’re planning to do something, networking, golf, volunteering you need to ask yourself what do you want to accomplish? I especially liked the point at the end about getting involved with things that interest you. By volunteering, whether it’s at the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Zonta, an industry association or somewhere else you’ll learn new skills and you’ll meet new people. Figure out if these are the people you want to know, but, you’ll never know unless you get out there and do it.

Heike Mertins: If you had three pieces of advice to give someone looking to build their network what would they be?

Connie Deckert: 1. Do what interests you. 2. Listen more than you talk. You need to listen to someone to see how and if they fit with your business. Ask questions. You have two ears and one mouth. There is a reason. 3. Have your cards ready. I can have mine out in seconds.

Heike Mertins: I’m surprised you didn’t say learn to play golf or work on your golf game?

Connie Deckert: Well, to me volunteering is the first thing you want to do and that fits with doing what interests you. Playing a sport helps. And golf is the ultimate networking sport because of the time it gives you with others. Next to cricket, which I understand can last for days, golf is the longest playing sport going. To build relationships you need to have time with people and yes, you’re right golf gives you this. But golf is still a tool, one of many. There are lots of ways to build a network. You need to think of building your network as if you’re building a web and not a box.

Heike Mertins: Last question. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book Tipping Point he talks about connectors, mavens and salesmen. If you were to classify yourself as one of these how would you classify yourself?

Connie Deckert: That’s easy. I am definitely a connector. I know lots of people and I know all kinds of people. I like to connect new people all the time.

Heike Mertins: Having known you now for several years I know that to be true. Thank you for your insights on building networks. Your approach is a far cry from attending only “networking” events and one I hope anyone interested in building a business will consider.

*****************************************************

To learn more about Connie Deckert and her approach on using golf as a business tool visit Fore U Enterprises

 

Random Act of Kindness Day: November’s Newest Holiday

November and February have long been the two most dismal months of the year. Living in Waterloo, Ontario at the edge of Southern Ontario’s Snow Belt, by the time February draws to an end shoveling snow, scraping ice crusted car windows, heavy coats and slipping on slick sidewalks have become uninspiring tasks with no near end in sight. Fortunately, February now has Family Day where families take the day off and play together.Absolutely it helps. November on the other hand despite the occasional beautiful crisp fall day, is mired on its not so sunny days with a snarky obviousness that the days are getting shorter, the summer is long gone, and that winter is right around the corner. Ugh! Other than Remembrance Day, which has unfortunately been reduced to a minute of silence for most of us, November has no real “take a break and enjoy yourself” type of holiday. Until now that is. The Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation’s “Random Act of Kindness Day”, launched two years ago (2008), promises a fun day for anyone who participates. Paying it forward and coming up with some unique way to be kind to those around us, both loved ones and perfect strangers, gets the mojo running. Everyone gets the idea and for that one day everyone makes the effort. It is definitely something to look forward to. Don’t have your Random Act of Kindness cards or looking for a poster either download them at Random Act of Kindness Day – Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation. or contact KWCF at 519.725.1806. Have Fun. I will!

Fear.less

Fear is universal and it can prevent you from moving forward, from asking the question, from reaching out to another, and from taking the risk to try something new. Fear can suspend you in time and place. Fear.less is an on-line publication that shares stories of those who have challenged fear and consequently achieved unique and remarkable things. Its worth reading when you’re feeling discouraged and when you’re feeling on top of your game. It inspires when need be and reminds those conquering their fears that they are in good company. Check it out.

About – fear.less – stories of overcoming fear.

Is Networking Working for You?

Ten ways to network more strategically

Networking is always listed as one of, if not, the most important thing to do when building or looking to expand a business. As many know doing so effectively is more easily said than done. A great deal of time can be spent talking to people who don’t want or need your products or services and who are not necessarily connected to someone who does. This is the most common complaint about networking groups and functions. However, strategically addressing this situation is a sure-fire way to build the network you want and steer clear of those you don’t. Here are ten steps to help entrepreneurs spend their networking time wisely.

Ten Tips for Strategic Networking

1. Know your product or service’s target market. Does the event fit with your business? There is no point in attending a networking event for small business owners if your target market is large size companies. Ask yourself will there be people on site interested in your product/service or one degree removed from those who are? If not, choose a different event – one these individuals do attend.
2. Create a set of criteria by which to evaluate networking events. Include the quality of the people you meet and speak with. Determine if these are the type of people who can be of help to you and whether the event is the type of event you need to attend.
3. Set networking goals. For example decide how many people you want to connect with before you go. If you have half an hour of “networking time” consider setting yourself the goal of connecting with 3-4 people. Connecting with a large number of people can be less effective than actually listening to someone and learning about their business. Use your time to start new relationships and enhance existing one, rather than appear to be insincerely glad handing.
4. Looking to building specific relationships? If so avoid “all aboard” events where 100’s of people attend. Assuming you are bound to meet a valuable connection because there will be 300 or 3,000 people in the room is a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you need a specific connection think first and foremost about where or how you’ll connect and go from there. Consider going to events and presentations that are of interest to your connections. Learning about what interests those who may help you will enhance your ability to better understand and serve them.
5. Connect with people whose target market can afford and see the value in your products and services. There is no point is marketing a product to those who can not afford to purchase it, whether they see the value in it or not. If you really want to provide services for those who need them, but can’t afford them either create a less expensive product or donate some time to helping them out.
6. Talk to people who your target market buys from. Build relationships with these individuals. If your business sells high-end IT solutions consider connecting with others who are providing services to those you’d like as clients.
7. Support events/organizations that provide services and products to your target market. This can be done easily through sponsorship opportunities or if time allows get involved. Those you support with your time are more likely to recommend you when the opportunity presents itself.
8. Go with a partner. Discuss beforehand what you are looking for from this group or event. Is there something in particular you want to learn, someone or some organization you want to meet, learn about and connect with, or are you simply looking for an outing. All of these are valid goals. Soloentrepeneurs especially need to get out now and then. Make a plan to compare notes and share insights with your networking buddy to maximize your opportunities. If you do go alone these questions are still worth answering before you go
9. If you are pressed for time, be honest with yourself if networking at this particular moment in time is time well spent and not an act of procrastination.
10. Force rank events. Compare events. Determine what you like, don’t like, and what works for you and your business. If you choose to attend an ongoing networking group or event consider attending at least three times before deciding whether or not it’s the right one for you and your business.

I’ve often heard people say “well I go to be seen so people remember me”. Building awareness is good, but if it does not translate into sales, be certain there are real benefits to you and your business before you continue spending scarce time resources building “awareness”.
Though strategic networking is a far better approach to networking than showing up everywhere and getting no where, it is not, nor should it ever be, the only reason to join a group or networking association. It is always important for you, a complex being, to join organizations you personally feel strong about or that you believe will support you. Growing oneself through selfless service may or may not be of help to your business directly, but it will always help your business indirectly, by helping you to become the best person you can be; one for whom business is part of life and not life itself.

Strategic networking enables you to free up time to do the other things that make your life successful, whatever you choose them to be. Time is our scarcest commodity. Spend yours well.

Want Change? Get out and vote! Celebrating Persons Day

Today is an important day for every woman in Canada- young and old alike. Eighty-one years ago today (October 18, 1929) the British Privy Council declared “And to those who would ask why the word “persons” should include females, the obvious answer is, why should it not?” Prior to this ruling, though women had been given the vote in 1917, they were still not permitted to sit in the Canadian Senate. Four months after the British Privy Council’s ruling William Lyon Mackenzie King’s government recommended Cairine Wilson of Ontario for appointment as Canada’s first female senator.

We owe much to the tireless efforts of those known as the Famous Five (Irene Marryat Parlby, Nellie Mooney McClung, Louise Crummy McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards, and Emily Murphy – whom my daughter is named after) who fought to ensure that women are represented in Canada’s upper house of parliament. Today 37 (35%) of the house’s 105 senators are women.

Though 35% is a far cry from non-representation, it continues to be an even farther cry from equal representation. How is it that 81 years after women were permitted to sit as senators that we are still not equally welcomed or appointed? How is it that 93 years after women were given the vote that of 308 members of parliament only 69 (22%) are female- a record all time high set in the last 2008 election ? There are many factors that impact these results. One of them continues to be that women believe they are less qualified to hold office than their male counterparts. Another without a doubt is voter apathy. According to the Globe & Mail only 59 percent of voters cast ballots in the last federal election, 53% in the last Ontario provincial election and a paltry 38% in Winnipeg’s 2008 municipal election.

Awareness of a situation is all good and well, but it does nothing to alter the circumstances. It takes action to create change. The action is voting, and ensuring our daughters, mothers and girlfriends do the same. Additionally if Canadian women truly wish to have equal opportunities we must also be willing to support those women who step up and are willing to represent us at all levels of government. Waterloo Region’s campaign school for women (hosted by Kitchener’s Zonta International Club and the YWCA) is just the type of initiative in need of widespread adoption. A place where woman can learn from experienced politicians and media personal that they are indeed qualified for office and that they will be supported for their efforts. Run one in your community and of course, remember to vote.